 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 26: A high-level parliamentary delegation, comprising Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Anil Sukhdevrao Bonde and Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Mehsana, Haribhai Patel, accompanied by Devendra Yadav, Director Jammu Airport, today undertook an extensive visit to Jammu, popularly known as the City of Temples.
The visit was aimed at paying homage to the spiritual roots and the formidable royal legacy of the Dogra dynasty, whose vision and leadership played a defining role in the formation of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State.
The delegation was accorded a warm and traditional reception by the Dogra Royal Family, represented by former minister Maharaj Kumar Ajatshatru Singh and Dr. Ritu Singh.
MK Ajatshatru Singh, former minister; Trustee, Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust; Managing Director, Hari Niwas Palace; Trustee, Amar Mahal Museum and Library; and Trustee, Maharaja Gulab Singh Memorial Trust—briefed the visiting Members of Parliament on the glorious and resilient history of the Dogra rulers. He elaborated on their decisive role in the establishment of the State in 1846 and their unwavering contribution to safeguarding India’s frontiers during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The delegation also paid obeisance at the revered Shri Raghunath Ji Mandir.
Dr. Ritu Singh highlighted the exceptional spiritual significance of the shrine, noting that it is one of only two temples in the world to enshrine the sacred Shamvaran idol of Shri Raghunath Ji, the other being in Ayodhya.
The visiting dignitaries were further taken to the historic site associated with Maharaja Hari Singh, where the Instrument of Accession was signed—an event that irrevocably linked the destiny of Jammu and Kashmir with the Union of India.
Reflecting the timeless tradition of Dogra hospitality, Dr. Ritu Singh spoke passionately on the urgent need for cultural preservation and heritage-led regeneration of the region. She formally appealed to the Members of Parliament to project Jammu as the “Crown on India’s Map”, underlining that the region’s future lies in a powerful synergy between its heroic past and emerging economic opportunities.
In her remarks on tourism and heritage-driven development, Dr. Ritu Singh stated:
“Jammu is a land of immense, yet untapped, potential. To truly honour our legacy, we must connect our glorious past with a prosperous future. My vision is to transform Jammu into a world-class tourism destination that extends far beyond pilgrimage. By introducing ‘Heritage Classrooms’, curated cultural circuits and immersive historical experiences, we can build a sustainable tourism ecosystem that invites the world to witness Dogra royalty, our living traditions, distinctive crafts and breathtaking landscapes.”
Emphasising the region’s economic and business prospects, she added: “Jammu’s strategic location positions it as a natural gateway for industrial and entrepreneurial growth. By harnessing our natural resources and traditional skills—particularly Basohli painting and indigenous handloom crafts—we can generate meaningful livelihoods and empower our youth. I urge the Hon’ble Members of Parliament to help reposition Jammu not merely as a transit corridor, but as a prime destination for investment, luxury heritage tourism and innovation-driven industries.” |
